Input apparatus, control apparatus, and control method for input apparatus

ABSTRACT

An input apparatus capable of transmitting a signal corresponding to an operation of a user to a control apparatus capable of switching display among a plurality of display screens, includes a first detection section, a second detection section, and a mode switch section. The first detection section detects analog information on a movement of the input apparatus made by the user. The second detection section detects digital information input by the user. The mode switch section makes a switch between a first mode for transmitting to the control apparatus a first signal that is based on the analog information detected by the first detection means and a second mode for transmitting to the control apparatus a second signal that is based on the digital information detected by the second detection means, in association with the display screen displayed on the control apparatus.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to an input apparatus such as a3-dimensional operation pointing device, a 3-dimensional operationremote controller, and a cellular phone, a control apparatus capable ofreceiving a signal from the input apparatus, and a control method for aninput apparatus.

2. Description of the Related Art

Pointing devices, particularly a mouse and a touchpad, are used ascontrollers for GUIs (Graphical User Interfaces) widely used in PCs(Personal Computers).

Not just as HIs (Human Interfaces) of PCs of the related art, the GUIsare now starting to be used as interfaces for AV equipment used inliving rooms with televisions as image media. Examples of the HI of thistype include a cross media bar, an EPG, an IP-TV, and Windows MediaCenter.

As the HIs currently in wide use, there are remote controllers witharrow keys as extensions of remote controllers for AV equipment of therelated art, for controlling the GUIs, but the operability thereof ispoor since it is difficult to perform a free cursor operation.

To solve such a problem, a wireless mouse or the like may be used, but atable or the like to place the mouse may become necessary for operatingthe mouse.

Japanese Examined Patent Publication No. Hei 6-7371 (claims 1 and 2)(hereinafter, referred to as Patent Document 1) discloses “a3-dimensional computer input apparatus performing 3-dimensional inputsto a computer, characterized by comprising: a direction sensing meansfor sensing changes in directions in space along three rotation axes(pitch, roll, and yaw); a displacement sensing means for sensingdisplacements along axes of at least a two-dimensional coordinate systemout of an XYZ coordinate system set in a main body of the 3-dimensionalcomputer input apparatus; and an electronic circuit connected to aninput port of the computer, to convert output signals of the directionsensing means and the displacement sensing means so that the signals canbe processed by the computer, and in that the direction sensing means isconstituted of three gyroscopes corresponding to the three rotation axes(pitch, roll, and yaw), respectively, and the displacement sensing meansis constituted of at least two acceleration sensors each correspondingto any of the XYZ axes”. Accordingly, unlike the mouse, a table or thelike becomes unnecessary, and operations in the air become possible.

In the past, a 3-dimensional mouse capable of being operated in the airhas calculated a movement amount of a cursor on a PC (Personal Computer)screen from a complex movement of a hand that moves 3-dimensionally.Therefore, the 3-dimensional mouse may need to be equipped with sensorssuch as an acceleration sensor and an angular velocity sensor fordetecting the hand movement (Patent Document 1).

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

However, because the 3-dimensional mouse as described in Patent Document1 is equipped with many devices that consume more electric power than ina desktop wireless mouse, it has been difficult to suppress powerconsumption of the entire mouse and also prolong a battery life. Aninfrared sensor of the desktop wireless mouse only needs to detectvalues when the mouse is moving, but the acceleration sensor and theangular velocity sensor of the 3-dimensional mouse need to constantlydetect values. Moreover, a relatively-large current flows into thosesensors, and hence more delicate power consumption control than thedesktop wireless mouse is desirable.

Pointing devices that are operated in the air as described above areexpected to be used wirelessly from now on as a mainstream.

The inventors of the present invention have found a new problem thatsince the number of sensors becomes large in the pointing device that isoperated in the air as described in Patent Document 1, electric powerconsumed increases when trying to use it wirelessly.

In view of the above-mentioned circumstances, there is a need for aninput apparatus, a control apparatus, and a control method for an inputapparatus that are capable of reducing power consumption.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, there is providedan input apparatus capable of transmitting a signal corresponding to anoperation by a user to a control apparatus capable of switching displayamong a plurality of display screens, including a first detection means,a second detection means, and a mode switch means. The first detectionmeans detects analog information on a movement of the input apparatusmade by the user. The second detection means detects digital informationinput by the user. The mode switch means makes a switch between a firstmode for transmitting to the control apparatus a first signal that isbased on the analog information detected by the first detection meansand a second mode for transmitting to the control apparatus a secondsignal that is based on the digital information detected by the seconddetection means, in association with the display screen displayed on thecontrol apparatus.

In the input apparatus according to the embodiment of the presentinvention, the mode switch means makes a switch between the first modefor transmitting to the control apparatus the first signal that is basedon the analog information and the second mode for transmitting to thecontrol apparatus the second signal that is based on the digitalinformation, in association with the display screen displayed on thecontrol apparatus. As a result, by switching the first mode to thesecond mode, it may become unnecessary to detect analog information bythe first detection means, with the result that power consumption can bereduced in the first detection means and power consumption of the inputapparatus can thus be reduced.

The mode switch means may make a switch between the first mode and thesecond mode in response to a first mode switch command transmitted tothe input apparatus from the control apparatus.

With this structure, a mode of the input apparatus can be switched.

The mode switch means may control on/off of an operation of the firstdetection means.

With this structure, it becomes possible to switch off the operation ofthe first detection means when analog information is not required andthus save power.

The first detection means may include a plurality of detection sectionswhose operations can be controlled individually to be turned on/off, andthe mode switch means may individually control on/off of the operationsof the plurality of detection sections.

With this structure, it is possible to switch off the operation of thedetection sections when analog information is not required and thus savepower stepwise.

The input apparatus may further include an operation circuit to performa predetermined operation based on the analog information, and the modeswitch means may switch an operation frequency of the operation circuit.

With this structure, it is possible to switch the operation frequency ofthe operation circuit when analog information is not required and thussave power.

The mode switch means may switch the operation frequency of theoperation circuit from a first value to a second value smaller than thefirst value in accordance with a switch from the first mode to thesecond mode, and switch the operation frequency of the operation circuitfrom the second value to the first value in accordance with a switchfrom the second mode to the first mode.

With this structure, it is possible to switch the operation frequency ofthe operation circuit when analog information is not required or whenrequired and thus save power.

The input apparatus may further include a transmission means whose datatransfer rate can be switched, and the mode switch means may switch thedata transfer rate of the transmission means.

With this structure, it is possible to switch the data transfer rate ofthe transmission means when analog information is not required and thussave power.

The mode switch means may switch the data transfer rate of thetransmission means from a first value to a second value smaller than thefirst value in accordance with a switch from the first mode to thesecond mode, and switch the data transfer rate of the transmission meansfrom the second value to the first value in accordance with a switchfrom the second mode to the first mode.

With this structure, it is possible to switch the data transfer rate ofthe input apparatus when analog information is not required or whenrequired and thus save power.

The mode switch means may make a switch between the first mode and thesecond mode in response to a second mode switch command input by theuser, and transmit to the control apparatus a signal for making a switchbetween a first display screen corresponding to the first mode and asecond display screen corresponding to the second mode.

With this structure, by the user operating the input apparatus, modes ofthe input apparatus and the control apparatus can be switched.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, there is provided acontrol apparatus including a reception means and a screen switch means.The reception means receives a first signal that is based on analoginformation on a movement of an input apparatus made by a user and asecond signal that is based on digital information input to the inputapparatus by the user. The screen switch means makes a switch between afirst display screen corresponding to a first mode for carrying outprocessing of the first signal received by the reception means and asecond display screen corresponding to a second mode for carrying outprocessing of the second signal received by the reception means.

In the embodiment of the present invention, the screen switch meansmakes a switch between the first display screen corresponding to thefirst mode for carrying out processing based on the first signalreceived by the reception means and the second display screencorresponding to the second mode for carrying out processing based onthe second signal received by the reception means. By switching thefirst display screen to the second display screen, it may becomeunnecessary to receive the first signal containing the analoginformation. In other words, since analog information does not need tobe detected, power consumption of the input apparatus can be reduced.

The control apparatus may further include a transmission means fortransmitting to the input apparatus a mode switch command for switchinga mode of the input apparatus in association with a mode of one of thefirst display screen and the second display screen that is beingdisplayed.

With this structure, the mode of the input apparatus can be switched inaccordance with the switch between the first display screen and thesecond display screen.

The screen switch means may make a switch between the first displayscreen and the second display screen in response to a third mode switchcommand transmitted from the input apparatus.

With this structure, it is possible to switch the mode of the controlapparatus in accordance with the third mode switch command transmittedfrom the input apparatus by the operation of the user.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, there is provided acontrol method for an input apparatus capable of transmitting a signalcorresponding to an operation by a user to a control apparatus capableof switching display among a plurality of display screens, the methodincluding: detecting analog information on a movement of the inputapparatus made by the user; detecting digital information input by theuser; and making a switch between a first mode for transmitting to thecontrol apparatus a first signal that is based on the detected analoginformation and a second mode for transmitting to the control apparatusa second signal that is based on the detected digital information, inassociation with the display screen displayed on the control apparatus.

In the embodiment of the present invention, a switch is made between thefirst mode for transmitting to the control apparatus the first signalthat is based on the analog information and the second mode fortransmitting to the control apparatus the second signal that is based onthe digital information, in association with the display screendisplayed on the control apparatus. As a result, by switching the firstmode to the second mode, it may become unnecessary to detect analoginformation, with the result that power consumption can be reduced inthe detection and power consumption of an input apparatus can thus bereduced.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, there is providedan input apparatus capable of transmitting a signal corresponding to anoperation of a user to a control apparatus capable of switching displayamong a plurality of display screens, including a first detectionsection, a second detection section, and a mode switch section. Thefirst detection section detects analog information on a movement of theinput apparatus made by the user. The second detection section detectsdigital information input by the user. The mode switch section makes aswitch between a first mode for transmitting to the control apparatus afirst signal that is based on the analog information detected by thefirst detection section and a second mode for transmitting to thecontrol apparatus a second signal that is based on the digitalinformation detected by the second detection section, in associationwith the display screen displayed on the control apparatus.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, there is provided acontrol apparatus including a reception section and a screen switchsection. The reception section receives a first signal that is based onanalog information on a movement of an input apparatus made by a userand a second signal that is based on digital information input to theinput apparatus by the user. The screen switch section makes a switchbetween a first display screen corresponding to a first mode forcarrying out processing of the first signal received by the receptionsection and a second display screen corresponding to a second mode forcarrying out processing of the second signal received by the receptionsection.

As described above, according to the embodiments of the presentinvention, power consumption of the input apparatus can be reduced.

These and other objects, features and advantages of the presentinvention will become more apparent in light of the following detaileddescription of best mode embodiments thereof, as illustrated in theaccompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a control system according to an embodimentof the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a perspective diagram showing an input apparatus;

FIG. 3 is a diagram schematically showing an internal structure of theinput apparatus;

FIG. 4 A perspective diagram showing a sensor unit;

FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing an electrical structure of the inputapparatus;

FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of a screen displayed on adisplay apparatus;

FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a state where a user is holding the inputapparatus;

FIG. 8 are explanatory diagrams showing typical examples of ways ofmoving the input apparatus and ways a pointer moves on a screenaccordingly;

FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing an operation of the control system;

FIG. 10 is a diagram showing mode shifts of the input apparatus and acontrol apparatus;

FIG. 11 are diagrams showing a case where an operation mode of the inputapparatus is changed by a mode change command from the controlapparatus;

FIG. 12 is a sequence diagram showing a case where the operation mode ofthe input apparatus is changed by the mode change command from thecontrol apparatus;

FIG. 13 is a sequence diagram according to another embodiment in whichthe operation mode of the input apparatus is changed by the mode changecommand from the control apparatus;

FIG. 14 is a diagram showing mode shifts of the input apparatus and thecontrol apparatus according to another embodiment;

FIG. 15 are diagrams showing a case where an operation mode of thecontrol apparatus is changed by a mode change command from the inputapparatus;

FIG. 16 is a sequence diagram of another embodiment in which theoperation mode of the control apparatus is changed by the mode changecommand from the input apparatus; and

FIG. 17 is a sequence diagram of another embodiment in which theoperation mode of the control apparatus is changed by the mode changecommand from the input apparatus.

DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described withreference to the drawings.

(Structure of Control System)

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a control system according to an embodimentof the present invention. A control system 100 includes a displayapparatus 5, a control apparatus 40, and an input apparatus 1.

(Control Apparatus 40)

As shown in FIG. 1, the control apparatus 40 includes an MPU 35 (orCPU), a RAM 36, a ROM (Read-Only Memory) 37, a transceiver 38, anantenna 39, a video RAM 41, and a display control section 42.

The transceiver 38 receives a control signal transmitted from the inputapparatus 1 via the antenna 39. The transceiver 38 also has atransmitting function and is capable of performing two-way communicationwith the input apparatus 1. The transceiver 38 is detachable from thecontrol apparatus 40, for example.

The MPU 35 performs, based on the control signal, an operation forcontrolling a movement of a pointer (cursor) 2 displayed on a screen 3of the display apparatus 5 or an operation for controlling execution ofan icon 4. Accordingly, a display control signal for controlling a UIdisplayed on the screen 3 of the display apparatus 5 is generated.

The ROM 37 stores a table that shows a correspondence between graphicsof the icons 4 and the like displayed on the screen 3 of the displayapparatus 5 and cursor modes of the cursor 2 to be described later (freemode or non-free mode). In other words, a free mode is stored inassociation with an icon 4A and a non-free mode is stored in associationwith an icon 4B, for example.

The display control section 42 mainly generates screen data to bedisplayed on the screen 3 of the display apparatus 5 under control ofthe MPU 35. The video RAM 41 stores the screen data generated inresponse to the display control signal, that is to be displayed on thedisplay apparatus 5.

The control apparatus 40 may be an apparatus dedicated to the inputapparatus 1, or may be a personal computer (PC) or the like. The controlapparatus 40 is not limited to the apparatus dedicated to the inputapparatus 1, and may be a computer integrally formed with the displayapparatus 5, an audio/visual equipment, a projector, a game device, atelevision receiver, a car navigation device, or the like.

(Input Apparatus 1)

FIG. 2 is a perspective diagram showing the input apparatus 1. The inputapparatus 1 is a 3-dimensional pointing device used for inputtinginformation to the display apparatus 5. The input apparatus 1 is of asize that a user is capable of holding (handheld). As shown in FIG. 2,the input apparatus 1 includes a casing 10 and operation sections suchas three buttons 11, 12, and 13 provided at an upper portion of thecasing 10.

The button 11 is provided closer to the center of the upper portion ofthe casing 10 and functions as, for example, a left button of a mouse asan input device for a PC. A file is executed by double-clicking thebutton 11. A “drag and drop” operation can be performed by moving theinput apparatus while press-and-holding the button 11.

The button 12 is adjacent to the button 11 and functions as a rightbutton of a mouse. Various option operations can be made, for example.

The button 13 is a button used for switchingeffectiveness/ineffectiveness of a function of recognizing a movement ofthe input apparatus 1 and the like. The button 13 is a rotatable buttonand can scroll the screen by its rotation.

A button 23 (see FIG. 7) such as an XMB (registered trademark) button isa push button that is capable of being pressed by the user, for example.The button 23 is used for the user to intentionally change operationmodes (cursor modes) of the input apparatus 1 and the control apparatus40 to be described later from a free mode (free cursor mode) to anon-free mode (non-free cursor mode) to be described later and viceversa.

Locations of the buttons 11, 12, 13, and 23, a content of a commandissued, and the like can arbitrarily be changed.

FIG. 3 is a diagram schematically showing an internal structure of theinput apparatus 1. In descriptions given with reference to FIGS. 2 and3, a longitudinal direction of the casing 10 is referred to as Z′direction, a thickness direction of the casing 10 is referred to as X′direction, and a width direction of the casing 10 is referred to as Y′direction for convenience.

As shown in FIG. 3, the input apparatus 1 includes a control unit 30, asensor unit 17, and batteries 14.

The control unit 30 includes a main substrate 18, an MPU 50 (MicroProcessing Unit) (or CPU) mounted on the main substrate 18, a crystaloscillator 20, a transceiver 21, and an antenna 22 printed on the mainsubstrate 18.

FIG. 4 is a perspective diagram showing the sensor unit 17. The sensorunit 17 includes a circuit board 25, an angular velocity sensor (gyrosensor) unit 15, and an acceleration sensor unit 16 (first detectionmeans).

The angular velocity sensor (gyro sensor) unit 15 detects angularvelocities about two axes crossing each other, that is, two orthogonalaxes, for example. The acceleration sensor unit 16 detects accelerationsalong two axes crossing each other, that is, two orthogonal axes (X′axis and Y′ axis), for example. It should be noted that the detectionaxes of the angular velocity sensor unit 15 and detection axes of theacceleration sensor unit 16 are not necessarily the same, and may bedisposed at angles at which the detection axes cross each other.

The angular velocity sensor unit 15 includes two sensors, that is, afirst angular velocity sensor 151 and a second angular velocity sensor152. The acceleration sensor unit 16 includes two sensors, that is, afirst acceleration sensor 161 and a second acceleration sensor 162.Moreover, the angular velocity sensor unit 15 and the accelerationsensor unit 16 are packaged and mounted on the circuit board 25.

As each of the first and second angular velocity sensors 151 and 152, avibration gyro sensor for detecting Coriolis force proportional to anangular velocity is used. As each of the first and second accelerationsensors 161 and 162, any sensor such as a piezoresistive sensor, apiezoelectric sensor, and a capacitance sensor may be used.

The sensor unit 17 is incorporated into the casing 10 such that asurface of the circuit board 25 on which the angular velocity sensorunit 15 and the acceleration sensor unit 16 are mounted is substantiallyin parallel with an X′-Y′ plane, and the sensor units 15 and 16 eachdetect physical amounts with respect to the two axes, that is, the X′axis and the Y′ axis. In descriptions below, a coordinate system thatmoves along with the input apparatus 1, that is, a coordinate systemfixed to the input apparatus 1 is expressed using the X′ axis, Y′ axis,and Z′ axis, whereas a coordinate system stationary on earth, that is,an inertial coordinate system is expressed using the X axis, Y axis, andZ axis. Moreover, in descriptions below, with regard to a movement ofthe input apparatus 1, a rotational direction about the X′ axis issometimes referred to as pitch direction, a rotational direction aboutthe Y′ axis is sometimes referred to as yaw direction, and a rotationaldirection about the Z′ axis (roll axis) is sometimes referred to as rolldirection.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing an electrical structure of the inputapparatus 1. As shown in the figure, the input apparatus 1 includes thebuttons 11, 12, 13, and 23, the angular velocity sensor unit 15, theacceleration sensor unit 16, the MPU 50, switches 51 and 52, the crystaloscillator 20, a DC-DC converter 26, and electrical cells (batteries)14.

The input apparatus 1 is powered by the batteries 14. As the batteries14, dry cell batteries, rechargeable batteries, or the like are used.

The DC-DC converter 26 supplies power to the angular velocity sensorunit 15, the acceleration sensor unit 16, and the MPU 50 while keepingpower supply voltages of the batteries 14 at a constant voltage. TheDC-DC converter 26 includes a shutdown switch 48. The shutdown switch 48is a switch for turning off the power supply to the entire system of theinput apparatus 1.

The crystal oscillator 20 generates clocks and supplies them to the MPU50.

Based on detection signals of the angular velocity sensor unit 15 andthe acceleration sensor unit 16, the MPU 50 calculates velocity values.The MPU 50 manages input signals from the buttons 11, 12, 13, and 23.

The MPU 50 executes operation modes of the angular velocity sensor unit15, the acceleration sensor unit 16, and the MPU 50 itself in responseto mode change commands (commands for shifting operation modes) to bedescribed later. The MPU 50 switches on/off of the switch 51 and theswitch 52 according to the operation mode to be executed. When theswitch 51 is on, power is supplied to the angular velocity sensor unit15 from the DC-DC converter 26, and when the switch 51 is off, supply ofpower is cut off. When the switch 52 is on, power is supplied to theacceleration sensor unit 16 from the DC-DC converter 26, and when theswitch 52 is off, supply of power is cut off. It should be noted thatthe switch 51 may be incorporated into the angular velocity sensor unit15, or the switch 52 may be incorporated into the acceleration sensorunit 16.

The MPU 50 outputs a power off command to the shutdown switch 48 basedon a predetermined command and turns off power supply to the entiresystem of the input apparatus 1.

The MPU 50 judges a usage mode of the input apparatus 1 based ondetection signals from the angular velocity sensor unit 15 and theacceleration sensor unit 16 and input signals from the buttons 11, 12,13, and 23. In other words, based on the calculated velocity values andthe signals from the buttons 11, 12, 13, and 23, the MPU 50 makes ajudgment between a first mode in which the input apparatus 1 is beingoperated and a second mode in which the input apparatus 1 is notoperated.

Based on a result of the judgment, the MPU 50 shifts an operation modeof the MPU 50 itself.

The MPU 50 outputs the velocity values and the signals from the buttons11, 12, 13, and 23 as RF radio signals to the control apparatus 40 viathe antenna 22 by means of the transceiver 21. The transceiver 21 alsofunctions as a receiver for receiving signals transmitted from thecontrol apparatus 40.

FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of the screen 3 displayed on thedisplay apparatus 5. Examples of the display apparatus 5 include aliquid crystal display and an EL (Electro-Luminescence) display, but arenot limited thereto. The display apparatus 5 may alternatively be anapparatus integrally formed with a display and capable of receivingtelevision broadcasts and the like, or an apparatus in which such adisplay and the control apparatus 40 are integrated. To help understanddescriptions below, the UI to be an operation target of the inputapparatus 1 will be described as being the pointer (cursor) 2 unlessstated otherwise.

UIs such as icons 4A and 4B and the pointer 2 are displayed on thescreen 3. The icons are obtained by imaging program functions, executioncommands, file contents, and the like of a computer on the screen 3. Itshould be noted that the horizontal direction of the screen 3 is set asan X-axis direction and the vertical direction thereof is set as aY-axis direction.

FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a state where the user is holding the inputapparatus 1. As shown in FIG. 7, the input apparatus 1 may include, inaddition to the buttons 11, 12, 13, and 23, operation sections includingvarious operation buttons (e.g., arrow key buttons) such as thoseprovided to a remote controller for operating a television or the likeand a power switch, for example. When the user moves the input apparatus1 in the air or operates the operation section while holding the inputapparatus 1 as shown in the figure, input information is output to thecontrol apparatus 40, and a UI is controlled by the control apparatus40.

Next, a description will be given on typical examples of ways of movingthe input apparatus 1 and ways the pointer 2 moves on the screen 3accordingly. FIG. 8 are explanatory diagrams therefor.

As shown in FIGS. 8A and 8B, the user holds the input apparatus 1 so asto aim the buttons 11 and 12 side of the input apparatus 1 at thedisplay apparatus 5 side. The user holds the input apparatus 1 so that athumb is located on an upper side and a pinky is located on a lower sideas in handshakes. In this state, the circuit board 25 (see FIG. 4) ofthe sensor unit 17 is substantially in parallel with the screen 3 of thedisplay apparatus 5, and the two axes as the detection axes of thesensor unit 17 respectively correspond to the horizontal axis (X axis)and the vertical axis (Y axis) on the screen 3. Hereinafter, theposition of the input apparatus 1 as shown in FIGS. 8A and 8B isreferred to as reference position.

As shown in FIG. 8A, when the user swings a wrist or an arm in thevertical direction, that is, the pitch direction while the inputapparatus 1 is in the reference position, the second acceleration sensor162 detects an acceleration in the Y′-axis direction and the firstangular velocity sensor 151 detects an angular velocity about the X′axis (see FIG. 4). Based on those detection values, the controlapparatus 40 controls display of the pointer 2 such that the pointer 2moves in the Y-axis direction in FIG. 6.

Meanwhile, as shown in FIG. 8B, when the user swings the wrist or thearm in the horizontal direction, that is, the yaw direction while theinput apparatus 1 is in the reference position, the first accelerationsensor 161 detects an acceleration in the X′-axis direction and thesecond angular velocity sensor 152 detects an angular velocity about theY′ axis (see FIG. 4). Based on those detection values, the controlapparatus 40 controls display of the pointer 2 such that the pointer 2moves in the X-axis direction shown in FIG. 6.

(Description on Operation)

Next, an operation of the control system 100 structured as describedabove will be described.

First, an operation of the control system 100 in a case where thepointer 2 moves on the screen 3 in accordance with a 3-dimensionaloperation of the user (pointer mode) will be described briefly. FIG. 9is a flowchart showing the operation of the control system 100 in thiscase.

As shown in FIG. 9, when the user presses the power supply switch 28 andthe power of the input apparatus 1 is thus turned on, for example,biaxial angular velocity signals are output from the angular velocitysensor unit. The MPU 50 acquires angular velocity values (ω_(ψ), ω_(θ))from the angular velocity signals (Step 101).

Further, upon turning on the power of the input apparatus 1, biaxialacceleration signals are output from the acceleration sensor unit 16.The MPU 50 acquires acceleration values (a_(x), a_(y)) from the biaxialacceleration signals (Step 102).

The MPU 50 typically carries out the process of acquiring angularvelocity values (ω_(ψ), ω_(θ)) (Step 101) and the process of acquiringacceleration values (a_(x), a_(y)) (Step 102) in sync. However, theprocess of acquiring angular velocity values (ω_(ψ), ω_(θ)) and theprocess of acquiring acceleration values (a_(x), a_(y)) do not alwaysneed to be carried out in sync (at the same time). For example, theacceleration values (a_(x), a_(y)) may be obtained after the angularvelocity values (ω_(ψ), ω_(θ)) are obtained, or the angular velocityvalues (ω_(ψ), ω_(θ)) may be obtained after the acceleration values(a_(x), a_(y)) are obtained.

Based on the acceleration values (a_(x), a_(y)) and the angular velocityvalues (ω_(ψ), ω_(θ)), the MPU 50 calculates velocity values (firstvelocity value V_(x) and second velocity value V_(y)) by a predeterminedoperation (Step 103). The first velocity value V_(x) is a velocity valuein a direction along the X′ axis, and the second velocity value V_(y) isa velocity value in a direction along the Y′ axis.

As a method of calculating the velocity values (V_(x), V_(y)), there isa method in which the MPU 50 calculates the velocity values by, forexample, integrating the acceleration values (a_(x), a_(y)) while usingthe angular velocity values (ω_(ψ), ω_(θ)) as an adjunct for theintegration operation.

Alternatively, the MPU 50 may calculate radius gyrations (R_(ψ), R_(θ))of the input apparatus 1 by dividing the acceleration values (a_(x),a_(y)) by angular acceleration values (Δω_(ψ), Δω_(θ)). In this case,the velocity values (V_(x), V_(y)) can be obtained by multiplying theradius gyrations (R_(ψ), R_(θ)) by the angular velocity values (ω_(ψ),ω_(θ)). Alternatively, the radius gyrations (R_(ψ), R_(θ)) may beobtained by dividing acceleration change rates (Δa_(x), Δa_(y)) byangular acceleration change rates (Δ(Δω_(ψ)), Δ(Δω_(θ))).

By calculating the velocity values by the calculation method describedabove, an operational feeling of the input apparatus 1 that matches anintuition of the user can be obtained, and moreover, the movement of thepointer 2 on the screen 3 also accurately matches the movement of theinput apparatus 1. However, the velocity values (V_(x), V_(y)) do notalways need to be calculated by the calculation method above. Forexample, it is also possible for the velocity values (V_(x), V_(y)) tobe calculated by simply integrating the acceleration values (a_(x),a_(y)). Alternatively, the detected angular velocity values (ω_(ψ),ω_(θ)) may be used as they are as the velocity values (V_(x), V_(y)). Itis also possible to calculate angular acceleration values (Δω_(ψ),Δω_(θ)) by temporally differentiating the detected angular velocityvalues (ω_(ψ), ω_(θ)) and use them as acceleration values.

The MPU 50 transmits information on the calculated velocity values(V_(x), V_(y)) to the control apparatus 40 via the transceiver 21 andthe antenna 22 (Step 104).

The MPU 35 of the control apparatus 40 receives the information on thevelocity values (V_(x), V_(y)) via the antenna 39 and the transceiver 38(Step 105). In this case, the input apparatus 1 transmits the velocityvalues (V_(x), V_(y)) every predetermined number of clocks, that is,every time a predetermined time passes, so the control apparatus 40receives the velocity values every predetermined number of clocks.

Upon receiving the velocity values, the MPU 35 of the control apparatus40 generates new coordinate values (X(t), Y(t)) by adding the velocityvalues to coordinate values using Equations (1) and (2) below (Step106). The MPU 35 controls display on the screen so that the pointer 2moves to a position corresponding to the generated coordinate values(Step 107).

X(t)=X(t−1)+V _(x)  (1)

Y(t)=Y(t−1)+V _(y)  (2)

It should be noted that the calculation of the velocity values (V_(x),V_(y)) may be executed by the control apparatus 40. In this case, theinput apparatus 1 transmits information on the angular velocity values(ω_(ψ), ω_(θ)) and the acceleration values (a_(x), a_(y)) to the controlapparatus 40 via the transceiver 21 and the antenna 22. Based on theinformation on the angular velocity values (ω_(ψ), ω_(θ)) and theacceleration values (a_(x), a_(y)) received via the antenna 39 and thetransceiver 38, the control apparatus 40 calculates the velocity values(V_(x), V_(y)). The method of calculating the velocity values is asdescribed above.

It should be noted that in FIG. 9 and the like, the acceleration signalsare obtained by the acceleration sensor unit after the angular velocitysignals are obtained by the angular velocity sensor unit. However, theorder is not limited thereto, and the angular velocity signals may beobtained after the acceleration signals are obtained, or theacceleration signals and the angular velocity signals may be obtained inparallel (at the same time) (the same holds true for FIG. 10 below).

The input apparatus 1 may be a remote controller used for remotelyoperating a television and the like or an input apparatus for a gamedevice.

(Operation Mode Switch Operation)

Next, a switch of operation modes of the input apparatus 1 and thecontrol apparatus 40 will be described.

FIG. 10 is a diagram showing mode sifts of the input apparatus 1 and thecontrol apparatus 40.

(Operational Shift of Input Apparatus 1)

The input apparatus 1 shifts to operation modes of a reset mode (POR:Power On Reset), an initialization mode (Init), a non-free mode (secondmode), and a free mode (first mode).

The reset mode (POR) is a mode right after power of the input apparatus1 is turned on. After that, the MPU 50 shifts to device initializationprocessing.

The initialization mode (Init) is a mode after initialization ofhardware of the MPU 50 is completed. The input apparatus 1 (MPU 50)determines a frequency of radio waves used for performing wirelesscommunication with a wireless communication device on the controlapparatus 40 side and acquires an identification code from the wirelesscommunication device. As a result, wireless communication between theinput apparatus 1 and the control apparatus 40 becomes possible. At apoint wireless communication is made possible, the input apparatus 1(MPU 50) shifts to, for example, the non-free mode.

The non-free mode is an operation mode in which the control apparatus 40does not require detection signals of the angular velocity sensor unit15 and the acceleration sensor unit 16 of the input apparatus 1. Inother words, in the non-free mode, the input apparatus 1 (MPU 50) turnsoff at least the switch 51 out of the switch 51 of the angular velocitysensor unit 15 and the switch 52 of the acceleration sensor unit 16, forexample. In the non-free mode, the input apparatus 1 (MPU 50) does notcalculate the velocity values (V_(x), V_(y)) of the cursor 2 shown inFIG. 6 in the X- and Y-axis directions. In the non-free mode, the inputapparatus 1 (MPU 50) detects an on/off state of the buttons 11, 12, 13,and 23 and the like. Accordingly, the cursor 2 is operated based on aninput signal from a mechanical tact switch 11 and the like.

It should be noted that in the non-free mode, it is also possible to seta communication mode of the input apparatus 1 so that a wirelesscommunication data amount (data transfer rate) between the inputapparatus 1 and the control apparatus 40 becomes smaller than that inthe free mode. For example, a packet size only needs to be reduced or apacket transmission/reception interval only needs to be prolonged.Moreover, in the non-free mode, it is also possible to set an operationfrequency (clock count) of the MPU 50 so that the operation frequency(clock count) of the MPU 50 becomes smaller than that in the free mode(low clock).

Specifically, when a screen on which the cursor 2 can be operated withjust the button 11, the arrow key, and the like or a viewing program isdisplayed on the screen 3, the control apparatus 40 does not require theangular velocity sensor unit 15 and the acceleration sensor unit 16 foroperating the cursor 2. At this time, an operation mode of the inputapparatus 1 shifts to the non-free mode.

In the non-free mode, the input apparatus 1 (MPU 50) is capable oftransmitting information on an on/off state of the buttons 11, 12, 13,and 23 and the like (button event) to the control apparatus 40 throughwireless communication via the transceiver 21.

In the non-free mode, the input apparatus 1 (MPU 50) is capable ofreceiving a mode change command 300 to be described later from thecontrol apparatus 40. Upon receiving the mode change command 300, theinput apparatus 1 (MPU 50) shifts to the free mode.

The free mode is an operation mode in which the control apparatus 40requires detection signals from the angular velocity sensor unit 15 andthe acceleration sensor unit 16 of the input apparatus 1. In otherwords, in the free mode, the input apparatus 1 (MPU 50) turns on theswitch 51 of the angular velocity sensor unit 15 and the switch 52 ofthe acceleration sensor unit 16. Then, the input apparatus 1 (MPU 50)reads out detection signals of angular velocities and accelerationsrespectively detected by the angular velocity sensor unit 15 and theacceleration sensor unit 16 and calculates velocity values (V_(x),V_(y)) of the cursor 2 shown in FIG. 6 in the X- and Y-axis directions.Further, the input apparatus 1 (MPU 50) detects an on/off state of thebuttons 11, 12, 13, and 23 and the like. Accordingly, the cursor 2 isoperated based on an operation of the input apparatus 1 or an operationsignal from the button 11 and the like.

It should be noted that it is also possible to set the communicationmode so that a wireless communication data amount between the inputapparatus 1 and the control apparatus 40 becomes larger than that in thenon-free mode. For example, a packet size only needs to be increased ora packet transmission/reception interval only needs to be shortened.Moreover, the operation frequency (clock count) of the MPU 50 may be setso that the operation frequency (clock count) thereof becomes largerthan that in the non-free mode (high clock).

The free mode of the input apparatus 1 (MPU 50) is an operation modewith which free cursor, zoom, scroll, gestures, and the like can berealized, for example.

In the free mode, the input apparatus 1 (MPU 50) transmits informationon the velocity values (V_(x), V_(y)(free event) and information on theon/off state of the buttons 11, 12, 13, and 23 and the like (buttonevent) to the control apparatus 40 through wireless communication viathe transceiver 21.

In the free mode, the input apparatus 1 (MPU 50) is capable of receivinga mode change command 400 to be described later from the controlapparatus 40. Upon receiving the mode change command 400, the inputapparatus 1 (MPU 50) shifts to the non-free mode.

(Operational Shift of Control Apparatus 40)

The control apparatus 40 shifts to modes of a reset mode (POR), aninitialization mode (Init), a non-free mode, and a free mode.

The reset mode (POR) is a mode right after power of the controlapparatus 40 is turned on. After that, the MPU 35 shifts to deviceinitialization processing.

The initialization mode (Init) is a mode after initialization ofhardware of the MPU 35 is completed.

At a point wireless communication with the input apparatus 1 has becomepossible as described above, the control apparatus 40 (MPU 35) shiftsto, for example, the non-free mode.

In the non-free mode, velocity values (V_(x), V_(y)) are not transmittedfrom the input apparatus 1, and the control apparatus 40 (MPU 35)receives information on an on/off state of the buttons 11, 12, 13, and23 and the like (button event) from the input apparatus 1 throughwireless communication via the transceiver 38. As described above, it isalso possible to set a communication mode so that a data amount receivedfrom the input apparatus 1 through wireless communication becomessmaller than that in the free mode.

Based on information on the button event and information on the tablestored in the ROM 37 (see FIG. 1) in advance, the control apparatus 40(MPU 35) judges which of the free mode and the non-free mode the inputapparatus 1 is to be shifted to (shift destination judgment). The tableis a data table that stores, for example, an icon selected by the userand a shift destination mode in association with each other. In thenon-free mode, the control apparatus 40 (MPU 35) is capable oftransmitting to the input apparatus 1, based on a result of the shiftdestination judgment, the mode change command 300 for causing theoperation mode of the input apparatus 1 to shift from the non-free modeto the free mode. In the non-free mode, the control apparatus 40 (MPU35) shifts its own mode from the non-free mode to the free mode based onthe shift destination judgment result.

In the free mode, the control apparatus 40 (MPU 35) receives informationon velocity values (V_(x), V_(y)(free event) and the information on theon/off state of the button 11 and the like (button event) from the inputapparatus 1 through wireless communication via the transceiver 38. Itshould be noted that as described above, it is also possible to set thecommunication mode so that the data amount received from the inputapparatus 1 through wireless communication becomes larger than that inthe non-free mode.

In the free mode, the control apparatus 40 (MPU 35) is capable oftransmitting to the input apparatus 1, based on the shift destinationjudgment result described above, the mode change command 400 for causingthe operation mode of the input apparatus 1 to shift from the free modeto the non-free mode.

In the free mode, the control apparatus 40 (MPU 35) shifts its own modefrom the free mode to the non-free mode based on the shift destinationjudgment result.

Example

Hereinafter, a specific example of mode shifts of the input apparatus 1and the control apparatus 40 will be described.

FIG. 11 are diagrams showing a case where the operation mode of theinput apparatus 1 is changed by the mode change command 300 and the modechange command 400 from the control apparatus 40. FIG. 12 is a sequencediagram in this case.

When power of the input apparatus 1, the control apparatus 40, and thedisplay apparatus 5 is turned on by the user, the input apparatus 1 andthe control apparatus 40 shift to, for example, the non-free mode asshown in FIG. 10. At this time, as shown in FIG. 11A, a viewing programscreen is displayed on a screen 3A of the display apparatus 5, forexample.

When an operation for displaying a non-free GUI screen 3B (e.g., buttonoperation) is made by the user, for example, the input apparatus 1transmits a command C1 corresponding to the operation to the controlapparatus 40 as shown in FIG. 12. The control apparatus 40 receives thecommand C1 via the transceiver 38 and displays the non-free GUI screen3B shown in FIG. 11B on the display apparatus 5. The term “non-free”refers to a state where the control apparatus 40 does not requireoutputs of the angular velocity sensor unit 15 and the accelerationsensor unit 16 and the user is capable of operating the cursor 2 by anoperation to the button 11, the arrow key, or the like.

When the user selects an icon 4A shown in FIG. 11B, for example, theinput apparatus 1 transmits a command C2 corresponding to the selectionto the control apparatus 40 as shown in FIG. 12.

The control apparatus 40 receives the command C2 via the transceiver 38and judges a shift destination mode corresponding to the selected icon4A based on the table. When judging that the shift destination mode isthe non-free mode, the control apparatus 40 displays, for example, anon-free GUI screen 3C shown in FIG. 11C on the display apparatus 5.Accordingly, a non-free GUI hierarchy changes. In other words, thehierarchy changes from a hierarchy including the icon 4A and the likeshown in FIG. 11B to a hierarchy including the icon 4B and the likeshown in FIG. 11C.

When the user selects the icon 4B shown in FIG. 11C, the input apparatus1 transmits a command C3 corresponding to the selection to the controlapparatus 40 as shown in FIG. 12.

The control apparatus 40 receives the command C3 via the transceiver 38and judges a shift destination mode corresponding to the selected icon4B based on the table. When judging that the shift destination mode isthe free mode, the control apparatus 40 displays, for example, a freeGUI screen 3D shown in FIG. 11D on the display apparatus 5. Accordingly,the non-free GUI screen 3C is changed to the free GUI screen 3D. Here,the term “free” refers to a state where the control apparatus 40requires outputs of the angular velocity sensor unit 15 and theacceleration sensor unit 16.

At this time, as shown in FIG. 12, the control apparatus 40 transmitsthe mode change command 300 for changing the mode of the input apparatus1 to the input apparatus 1. The mode change command 300 is a command forchanging the operation mode of the input apparatus 1 from the non-freemode to the free mode (free cursor mode command).

The input apparatus 1 receives the mode change command 300 and changesthe operation mode thereof from the non-free mode to the free mode.

Specifically, the switch 51 of the angular velocity sensor unit 15 andthe switch 52 of the acceleration sensor unit 16 are turned on. Itshould be noted that it is also possible to set the wirelesscommunication device so that the wireless communication data amountbetween the input apparatus 1 and the control apparatus 40 becomeslarger than that in the non-free mode. For example, a packet size onlyneeds to be increased or a packet transmission/reception interval onlyneeds to be shortened. Moreover, the MPU 50 may be set so that theoperation frequency (clock count) thereof becomes larger than that inthe non-free mode.

Based on an operation made to the input apparatus 1 by the user, theinput apparatus 1 transmits a command corresponding to the velocityvalues (V_(x), V_(y)) (free command) and a command (button command)corresponding to the button 11 and the like (C4) to the controlapparatus 40. The control apparatus 40 receives such a command (freecommand and button command) C4 and displays, for example, the cursor 2on the display screen 3D.

When the user selects an icon for ending the free mode (shifting tonon-free mode), for example, the input apparatus 1 transmits a command(free command and button command) C5 corresponding to the selection tothe control apparatus 40.

The control apparatus 40 receives the command C5 via the transceiver 38,transmits the mode change command 400 to the input apparatus 1, changesthe operation mode of the control apparatus 40 from the free mode to thenon-free mode, and displays a non-free GUI screen 3E shown in FIG. 11E.

The input apparatus 1 receives the mode change command 400. As a result,the operation mode of the input apparatus 1 is changed from the freemode to the non-free mode.

In other words, the input apparatus 1 turns off at least the switch 51out of the switch 51 of the angular velocity sensor unit 15 and theswitch 52 of the acceleration sensor unit 16. Accordingly, on/off ofoperations of the angular velocity sensor unit 15 and the accelerationsensor unit 16 (plurality of detection sections) are controlledindividually. It should be noted that the input apparatus 1 may set thewireless communication device so that the wireless communication dataamount (data transfer rate) between the input apparatus 1 and thecontrol apparatus 40 becomes smaller than that in the free mode.Conversely, it is also possible for the MPU 50 to set, when the inputapparatus 1 receives the mode change command 300, the wirelesscommunication device so that the wireless communication data amount(data transfer rate) becomes larger than that in the non-free mode.Moreover, it is also possible for the MPU 50 to switch its own operationfrequency so that the operation frequency thereof (clock count) becomessmaller than that in the free mode. It should be noted that, conversely,it is also possible for the MPU 50 to switch, when the input apparatus 1receives the mode change command 300, its own operation frequency sothat the operation frequency thereof becomes larger than that in thenon-free mode.

It should be noted that the user can operate the cursor 2 in the freemode and the non-free mode when the operation mode of the inputapparatus 1 matches that of the control apparatus 40.

According to this embodiment, the control apparatus 40 includes the MPU35 that judges the shift destination mode of the input apparatus 1 basedon the table that stores, for example, the icon 4A or 4B selected by theuser and the shift destination mode of the input apparatus 1corresponding to the selected icon 4A or 4B in association with eachother. The control apparatus 40 includes the transceiver 38 thattransmits to the input apparatus 1 the mode change command 400 or thelike for changing the mode of the input apparatus 1 based on thejudgment result. As a result, when the icon 4B is selected by the user,for example, the MPU 35 of the control apparatus 40 judges that theshift destination mode is the non-free mode based on the selected icon4B and transmits the mode change command 400 to the input apparatus 1.The input apparatus 1 receives the mode change command 400 and the like.Consequently, the MPU 50 of the input apparatus 1 switches the free modeand the non-free mode in association with the display screen 3C to bedisplayed on the display apparatus 5. The MPU 50 turns off at least theswitch 51 out of the switch 51 of the angular velocity sensor unit 15and the switch 52 of the acceleration sensor unit 16. Accordingly, atleast power supply to the angular velocity sensor unit 15 is stopped inthe non-free mode. Therefore, power consumption of the input apparatus 1can be reduced.

Upon receiving the mode change command 400, the input apparatus 1 mayset the wireless communication device so that the wireless communicationdata amount between the input apparatus 1 and the control apparatus 40becomes smaller than that in the free mode. As a result, it is possibleto reduce the wireless communication data amount and additionally reducepower consumption of the input apparatus 1.

Upon receiving the mode change command 400, the input apparatus 1 mayset the MPU 50 so that the operation frequency (clock count) of the MPU50 becomes smaller than that in the free mode. As a result, powerconsumption of the MPU 50 can be additionally reduced.

It is also possible for the control apparatus 40 to transmit, whileexecuting a mode (after shifting to shift destination operation mode),the mode change command 300 or mode change command 400 for shifting tothe mode being executed at predetermined timings (constantly orintermittently). Accordingly, the mode of the input apparatus 1 canpositively be changed to the mode being executed.

It should be noted that this embodiment has shown the example in whichthe input apparatus 1 and the control apparatus 40 shift to the non-freemode after the initialization mode (Init). However, the input apparatus1 and the control apparatus 40 may shift to the free mode after theinitialization mode (Init).

Further, in this embodiment, commands can be exchanged between the inputapparatus 1 and the control apparatus 40 when the operation modes of theinput apparatus 1 and the control apparatus 40 match. However, it isalso possible to turn off the switch 51 of the angular velocity sensorunit 15 and the switch 52 of the acceleration sensor unit 16 of theinput apparatus 1 (MPU 50) or cut off power supply to the inputapparatus 1, for example, when wireless communication between the inputapparatus 1 and the control apparatus 40 is disabled. Accordingly, powerof the input apparatus 1 can be prevented from being consumed wastefullywhen wireless communication is disabled.

Another Embodiment

FIG. 13 is a sequence diagram of another embodiment in which theoperation mode of the input apparatus 1 is changed by the mode changecommand 300 and the mode change command 400 from the control apparatus40. It should be noted that in this and subsequent embodiments,constituent elements that are the same as those of the above embodimentare denoted by the same reference symbols, and different points willmainly be described.

This embodiment is different from the above embodiment in that the inputapparatus 1 transmits, upon receiving the mode change command 300 shownin FIG. 13, an answerback 500 indicating the reception to the controlapparatus 40.

Upon receiving the answerback 500, the control apparatus 40 stopstransmitting the mode change command 300 to the input apparatus 1. Inother words, the control apparatus 40 continues transmitting the modechange command 300 to the input apparatus 1 at predetermined timingsuntil the answerback 500 is received. It should be noted that it is alsopossible for the control apparatus 40 to transmit the mode changecommand 300 a predetermined number of times irrespective of whether theanswerback 500 is received.

This embodiment is different from the above embodiment in that the inputapparatus 1 transmits, upon receiving the mode change command 400 shownin FIG. 13, an answerback 600 indicating the reception to the controlapparatus 40.

Upon receiving the answerback 600, the control apparatus 40 stopstransmitting the mode change command 400 to the input apparatus 1. Inother words, the control apparatus 40 continues transmitting the modechange command 400 to the input apparatus 1 at predetermined timingsuntil the answerback 600 is received. It should be noted that it is alsopossible for the control apparatus 40 to transmit the mode changecommand 400 a predetermined number of times irrespective of whether theanswerback 600 is received.

As described above, according to this embodiment, by receiving theanswerback 500 from the input apparatus 1, the control apparatus 40 canpositively detect a mode state of the input apparatus 1 and prevent themode change command 300 from being transmitted wastefully after thedetection. As a result, the input apparatus 1 does not need to continuereceiving the mode change command 300 wastefully, thus saving power. Itshould be noted that the same holds true for the answerback 600.

It should be noted that the embodiments shown in FIGS. 12 and 13 haveshown the examples in which the control apparatus 40 transmits the modechange command 300 and mode change command 400 to the input apparatus 1.However, it is also possible for the input apparatus 1 to receive asignal transmitted from the control apparatus 40 according to a sleeptimer set in the control apparatus 40 in addition to those commands.Alternatively, the input apparatus 1 may turn off, upon receiving asignal indicating that the control apparatus 40 is in a sleep mode, atleast the switch 51 out of the switch 51 of the angular velocity sensorunit 15 and the switch 52 of the acceleration sensor unit 16, forexample. Alternatively, the input apparatus 1 may turn off, when asignal cannot be received from the control apparatus 40 (power ofcontrol apparatus 40 is off), at least the switch 51 out of the switch51 of the angular velocity sensor unit 15 and the switch 52 of theacceleration sensor unit 16, or turn off power of the input apparatus 1when a signal cannot be received from the control apparatus 40.Accordingly, an effect of saving power of the input apparatus 1 can beadditionally improved.

Conversely, it is also possible for the input apparatus 1 to receive,when the switch 51 of the angular velocity sensor unit 15 and the switch52 of the acceleration sensor unit 16 are turned off, for example, asignal transmitted at a predetermined time set in the control apparatus40. Accordingly, power supplied to the input apparatus 1 can positivelybe cut off until the predetermined time, and power can positively besupplied to the angular velocity sensor unit 15 and the accelerationsensor unit 16 of the input apparatus 1 when reaching the predeterminedtime, for example. As a result, power of the input apparatus 1 can besaved.

Another Embodiment

FIG. 14 is a diagram showing mode shifts of the input apparatus 1 andthe control apparatus 40 according to another embodiment of the presentinvention.

(Operational Shift of Input Apparatus 1)

In the non-free mode, the input apparatus 1 (MPU 50) transmitsinformation on an on/off state of a button (not shown) and the like(button event) to the control apparatus 40 through wirelesscommunication via the transceiver 21.

In the non-free mode, the input apparatus 1 (MPU 50) is capable oftransmitting a mode change command 700 to the control apparatus 40. Themode change command 700 is a command for changing the mode of thecontrol apparatus 40 from the non-free mode to the free mode.

In the free mode, the input apparatus 1 (MPU 50) is capable oftransmitting a mode change command 800 to the control apparatus 40. Themode change command 800 is a command for changing the operation mode ofthe control apparatus 40 from the free mode to the non-free mode.

(Operational Shift of Control Apparatus 40)

In the non-free mode, the control apparatus 40 (MPU 35) receives theinformation on an on/off state of the button (not shown) and the like(button event) from the input apparatus 1 through wireless communicationvia the transceiver 38.

In the non-free mode, the control apparatus 40 (MPU 35) is capable ofreceiving the mode change command 700 transmitted from the inputapparatus 1 at a time the button (not shown) is pressed. In the non-freemode, the control apparatus 40 (MPU 35) shifts from the non-free mode tothe free mode in response to the mode change command 700.

In the free mode, the control apparatus 40 (MPU 35) receives the modechange command 800 transmitted from the input apparatus 1 at a time thebutton 23 (or other buttons not shown) is pressed. The control apparatus40 (MPU 35) shifts the operation mode thereof from the free mode to thenon-free mode in response to the mode change command 800.

Hereinafter, a specific example of the mode shifts of the controlapparatus 40 will be described.

FIG. 15 are diagrams showing a case where the operation mode of thecontrol apparatus 40 is changed by the mode change command 700 and modechange command 800 from the input apparatus 1. FIG. 16 is a sequencediagram of another embodiment in which the operation mode of the controlapparatus 40 is changed by the mode change command 700 and mode changecommand 800 from the input apparatus 1.

Since operations up to displaying the non-free GUI screen 3C shown inFIG. 15C on the display apparatus 5 since power of the input apparatus1, the control apparatus 40, and the display apparatus 5 is turned on bythe user are the same as that described with reference to FIGS. 11A to11C, descriptions thereof will be omitted.

When the user presses a button (not shown), the input apparatus 1 (MPU50) turns on the switch 51 of the angular velocity sensor unit 15 andthe switch 52 of the acceleration sensor unit 16. It should be notedthat the input apparatus 1 (MPU 50) may set the wireless communicationdevice so that the wireless communication data amount between the inputapparatus 1 and the control apparatus 40 becomes larger than that in thenon-free mode. Moreover, the input apparatus 1 (MPU 50) may be set sothat the operation frequency (clock count) thereof becomes larger thanthat in the non-free mode. Further, the input apparatus 1 transmits themode change command 700 indicating that the button (not shown) has beenpressed to the control apparatus 40.

The control apparatus 40 receives the mode change command 700 via thetransceiver 38 and judges a shift destination mode of the controlapparatus 40 that corresponds to the mode change command 700 based on adifferent table. The different table is a data table that stores theicon 4A and the like selected by the user and a shift destinationoperation mode of the control apparatus 40 in association with eachother. The mode change command 700 is a command for changing theoperation mode of the control apparatus 40 from the non-free mode to thefree mode (free cursor mode command). When judging that the shiftdestination mode is the free mode, for example, the control apparatus 40displays, for example, a free GUI screen 3D shown in FIG. 15D on thedisplay apparatus 5. Accordingly, the non-free GUI screen 3C is changedto the free GUI screen 3D.

It should be noted that instead of the input apparatus 1 transmittingthe mode change command 700 to the control apparatus 40, it is alsopossible to change a setting of the wireless communication device withrespect to the input apparatus 1 and the control apparatus 40 asdescribed above. Specifically, transmission forms of the input apparatus1 and the control apparatus 40 only need to be changed to a form inwhich a packet size is large and a packet transmission/receptioninterval is small or a form in which the packet size is small and thepacket transmission/reception interval is large. Accordingly, the inputapparatus 1 can transmit a signal having the same function as the modechange command to the control apparatus 40 and change the mode of thecontrol apparatus 40 as in this embodiment.

When the user presses the button 23 (or other buttons not shown) of theinput apparatus 1 for changing the mode from the free mode to thenon-free mode, for example, the input apparatus 1 turns off at least theswitch 51 out of the switch 51 of the angular velocity sensor unit 15and the switch 52 of the acceleration sensor unit 16. It should be notedthat it is also possible for the input apparatus 1 to set the wirelesscommunication device so that the wireless communication data amountbetween the input apparatus 1 and the control apparatus 40 becomessmaller than that in the free mode. Moreover, the MPU 50 may be set sothat the operation frequency (clock count) thereof becomes smaller thanthat in the free mode.

Moreover, when the user presses the button 23 (or other buttons notshown) of the input apparatus 1 for changing the mode from the free modeto the non-free mode, the input apparatus 1 transmits the mode changecommand 800 indicating that the button 23 has been pressed to thecontrol apparatus 40.

The control apparatus 40 receives the mode change command 800 via thetransceiver 38 and judges the shift destination mode of the controlapparatus 40 corresponding to the mode change command 800 based on adifferent table. The mode change command 800 is a command for changingthe operation mode of the control apparatus 40 from the free mode to thenon-free mode (free cursor mode command). When judging that the shiftdestination mode is the non-free mode, for example, the controlapparatus 40 displays, for example, a non-free GUI screen 3E shown inFIG. 15E on the display apparatus 5. Accordingly, the free GUI screen 3Dis changed to the non-free GUI screen 3E.

As described above, according to this embodiment, since the inputapparatus 1 includes the button 23 (or other buttons not shown) forchanging the operation mode of the control apparatus 40, the operationmode of the control apparatus 40 can be changed by pressing the button23 or the like of the input apparatus 1. When the user presses thebutton 23 (or other buttons not shown) of the input apparatus 1, forexample, the mode change command 800 is transmitted from the inputapparatus 1 to the control apparatus 40. The control apparatus 40 canreceive the mode change command 800 and change the mode thereof from thefree mode to the non-free mode. Moreover, when the button 23 (or otherbuttons not shown) is pressed, the input apparatus 1 turns off at leastthe switch 51 out of the switch 51 of the angular velocity sensor unit15 and the switch 52 of the acceleration sensor unit 16. As a result,power of the input apparatus 1 can be saved. Moreover, the user canimmediately change the operation modes of the input apparatus 1 and thecontrol apparatus 40 when wishing to change them.

It should be noted that this embodiment has shown the example in whichthe input apparatus 1 transmits the mode change command 700 and the modechange command 800 to the control apparatus 40 according to the press ofthe button 23 and the like. However, the present invention is notlimited thereto, and commands having the same functions as the modechange command 700 and the mode change command 800 may be transmitted tothe control apparatus 40 when the input apparatus 1 detects apredetermined gesture, for example. Even with this structure, the cursor2 can be operated in the same manner.

Another Embodiment

FIG. 17 is a sequence diagram showing another embodiment of changing theoperation mode of the control apparatus 40 by the mode change command700 from the input apparatus 1.

This embodiment is different from the embodiment shown in FIG. 16 inthat the control apparatus 40 transmits, upon receiving the mode changecommand 700 shown in FIG. 17, an answerback 610 indicating the receptionto the input apparatus 1.

With this structure, by receiving the answerback 610, the inputapparatus 1 can positively detect that the control apparatus 40 hasreceived the mode change command 700. Therefore, the input apparatus 1can be prevented from continuing to transmit the mode change command 700to the control apparatus 40 by a user operation after the detection, forexample. Further, by changing the mode of the input apparatus 1 from thenon-free mode to the free mode after receiving the answerback 610, theinput apparatus 1 can positively change the operation mode.

The present invention is not limited to the above embodiments andvarious modifications can be made.

This embodiment has shown the example in which the input apparatus 1includes the MPU 50. However, the present invention is not limitedthereto, and it is also possible for the input apparatus 1 to include aplurality of MPUs instead of the MPU 50 and realize the function of theMPU 50 with those MPUs.

As a method of calculating the velocity values (V_(x), V_(y)), there isa method in which the MPU 50 obtains the velocity values by integratingthe acceleration values (a_(x), a_(y)), and uses the angular velocityvalues (ω_(ψ), ω_(θ)) as an adjunct of the integration operation, forexample.

Alternatively, the MPU 50 obtains radius gyrations (R_(ψ), R_(θ)) of themovement of the casing 10 by dividing the acceleration values (a_(x),a_(y)) by differential values (Δω_(ψ), Δω_(θ)) of the angular velocityvalues (ω_(ψ), ω_(θ)). The velocity values (V_(x), V_(y)) are obtainedby multiplying the radius gyrations (R_(ψ), R_(θ)) by the angularvelocity values (ω_(ψ), ω_(θ)).

Alternatively, it is also possible to provide, as a motion sensor, theacceleration sensor unit 16 while excluding the angular velocity sensorunit 15, and calculate the velocity values (V_(x), V_(y)) by simplyintegrating the acceleration values (a_(x), a_(y)). On the contrary, itis also possible to provide, as the motion sensor, the angular velocitysensor unit 15 while excluding the acceleration sensor unit 16, andcalculate the velocity values (V_(x), V_(y)) corresponding to theangular velocity values (ω_(ψ), GO by an operation or a lookup table.

The input apparatus 1 according to the above embodiments has transmittedinput information to the control apparatus wirelessly. However, theinput information may be transmitted by wire.

The present invention may be applied to a handheld-type informationprocessing apparatus (handheld apparatus) that includes a displaysection, for example. In this case, the pointer displayed on the displaysection moves when the user moves a main body of the handheld apparatus.Examples of the handheld apparatus include a PDA (Personal DigitalAssistance), a cellular phone, a portable music player, and a digitalcamera.

In the above embodiments, the pointer 2 that moves on the screen inaccordance with the movement of the input apparatus 1 has beenrepresented as an image of an arrow. However, the image of the pointer 2is not limited to the arrow and may be a simple circle, square, or thelike, or a character image or any other images.

The detection axes of each of the angular velocity sensor unit 15 andthe acceleration sensor unit 16 of the sensor unit 17 do not necessarilyneed to be mutually orthogonal like the X′ axis and the Y′ axisdescribed above. In this case, the accelerations respectively projectedin the mutually-orthogonal axial directions can be obtained by acalculation that uses a trigonometric function. Similarly, the angularvelocities about the mutually-orthogonal axes can be obtained by acalculation that uses the trigonometric function.

Descriptions have been given on the case where the X′ and Y′ detectionaxes of the angular velocity sensor unit 15 and the X′ and Y′ detectionaxes of the acceleration sensor unit 16 of the sensor unit 17 describedin the above embodiments match. However, those detection axes do notnecessarily need to match. For example, in a case where the angularvelocity sensor unit 15 and the acceleration sensor unit 16 are mountedon a substrate, the angular velocity sensor unit 15 and the accelerationsensor unit 16 may be mounted while being deviated a predeterminedrotation angle within a main surface of the substrate so that thedetection axes of the angular velocity sensor unit 15 and theacceleration sensor unit 16 do not match. In this case, theaccelerations and angular velocities with respect to the respective axescan be obtained by a calculation that uses the trigonometric function.

Instead of the angular velocity sensor unit 15, an angle sensor or anangular acceleration sensor may be used. Examples of the angle sensorinclude a geomagnetic sensor and an image sensor. When triaxialgeomagnetic sensors are used, for example, since change amounts of anglevalues are detected, angular velocity values can be calculated bydifferentiating the angle values. The angular acceleration sensor isconstituted as a combination of a plurality of acceleration sensors, andangular velocity values can be calculated by integrating angularacceleration values obtained by the angular acceleration sensors.

Typically, the buttons 11 and 12 are each a press-type button, and pushbuttons or capacitance-type touch buttons are used. The button 13 istypically a rotary-type wheel button. However, the operation sectionsare not limited thereto, and a bar-type operation section that isoperated with one end as a fulcrum or a slide-type operation section maybe used instead. The operation section includes a built-in switch (notshown) which detects an operation of the user to the operation sectionand outputs an operation signal. As the switch that outputs an operationsignal, an optical sensor or a capacitance sensor may be used.

As the method of calculating the velocity values (V_(x), V_(y)), in thisembodiment, the MPU 50 divides the acceleration values (a_(x), a_(y)) bythe angular acceleration values (Δω_(ψ), Δω_(θ)) to calculate radiusgyrations (R_(ψ), R_(θ)) of the movement of the input apparatus 1. Inthis case, the velocity values (V_(x), V_(y)) can be obtained bymultiplying the radius gyrations (R_(ψ), R_(θ)) by the angular velocityvalues (ω_(ψ), ω_(θ)). The radius gyrations (R_(ψ), R_(θ)) may also beobtained by dividing acceleration change rates (Δa_(x), Δa_(y)) byangular acceleration change rates (Δ(Δω_(ψ)), Δ(Δω_(θ))).

By calculating the velocity values by the calculation method describedabove, an operational feeling of the input apparatus 1 that matches anintuition of the user can be obtained, and moreover, the movement of thepointer 2 on the screen 3 also accurately matches the movement of theinput apparatus 1.

It should be noted that the velocity values (V_(x), V_(y)) do not alwaysneed to be calculated by the calculation method above. For example, itis also possible for the MPU 50 to adopt, for example, a method ofcalculating the velocity values (V_(x), V_(y)) by integrating theacceleration values (a_(x), a_(y)) and using the angular velocity values(ω_(ψ), ω_(θ)) as an adjunct for the integration operation.Alternatively, the velocity values (V_(x), V_(y)) may be calculated bysimply integrating the acceleration values (a_(x), a_(y)).Alternatively, the detected angular velocity values (ω_(ψ), ω_(θ)) maybe used as they are as the velocity values (V_(x), V_(y)) of the casing.It is also possible to calculate angular acceleration values (Δω_(ψ),Δω_(θ)) by temporally differentiating the detected angular velocityvalues (ω_(ψ), ω_(θ)) and use them as acceleration values of the casing.

The present application contains subject matter related to thatdisclosed in Japanese Priority Patent Application JP 2008-327698 filedin the Japan Patent Office on Dec. 24, 2008, the entire content of whichis hereby incorporated by reference.

It should be understood by those skilled in the art that variousmodifications, combinations, sub-combinations and alterations may occurdepending on design requirements and other factors insofar as they arewithin the scope of the appended claims or the equivalents thereof.

1. An input apparatus capable of transmitting a signal corresponding toan operation by a user to a control apparatus capable of switchingdisplay among a plurality of display screens, comprising: a firstdetection means for detecting analog information on a movement of theinput apparatus made by the user; a second detection means for detectingdigital information input by the user; and a mode switch means formaking a switch between a first mode for transmitting to the controlapparatus a first signal that is based on the analog informationdetected by the first detection means and a second mode for transmittingto the control apparatus a second signal that is based on the digitalinformation detected by the second detection means, in association withthe display screen displayed on the control apparatus.
 2. The inputapparatus according to claim 1, wherein the mode switch means makes aswitch between the first mode and the second mode in response to a firstmode switch command transmitted to the input apparatus from the controlapparatus.
 3. The input apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the modeswitch means controls on/off of an operation of the first detectionmeans.
 4. The input apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the firstdetection means includes a plurality of detection sections whoseoperations can be controlled individually to be turned on/off, andwherein the mode switch means individually controls on/off of theoperations of the plurality of detection sections.
 5. The inputapparatus according to claim 1, further comprising an operation circuitto perform a predetermined operation based on the analog information,wherein the mode switch means switches an operation frequency of theoperation circuit.
 6. The input apparatus according to claim 5, whereinthe mode switch means switches the operation frequency of the operationcircuit from a first value to a second value smaller than the firstvalue in accordance with a switch from the first mode to the secondmode, and wherein the mode switch means switches the operation frequencyof the operation circuit from the second value to the first value inaccordance with a switch from the second mode to the first mode.
 7. Theinput apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a transmissionmeans whose data transfer rate can be switched, wherein the mode switchmeans switches the data transfer rate of the transmission means.
 8. Theinput apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the mode switch meansswitches the data transfer rate of the transmission means from a firstvalue to a second value smaller than the first value in accordance witha switch from the first mode to the second mode, and wherein the modeswitch means switches the data transfer rate of the transmission meansfrom the second value to the first value in accordance with a switchfrom the second mode to the first mode.
 9. The input apparatus accordingto claim 4, wherein the plurality of detection sections include anangular velocity sensor that detects an angular velocity of the inputapparatus and an acceleration sensor that detects an acceleration of theinput apparatus.
 10. The input apparatus according to claim 2, whereinthe mode switch means makes a switch between the first mode and thesecond mode in response to a second mode switch command input by theuser, and wherein the mode switch means transmits to the controlapparatus a signal for making a switch between a first display screencorresponding to the first mode and a second display screencorresponding to the second mode.
 11. The input apparatus according toclaim 2, further comprising a response means for outputting to thecontrol apparatus a response signal for notifying that the first modeswitch command has been acquired.
 12. The input apparatus according toclaim 1, wherein the input apparatus is a handheld apparatus.
 13. Acontrol apparatus, comprising: a reception means for receiving a firstsignal that is based on analog information on a movement of an inputapparatus made by a user and a second signal that is based on digitalinformation input to the input apparatus by the user; and a screenswitch means for making a switch between a first display screencorresponding to a first mode for carrying out processing of the firstsignal received by the reception means and a second display screencorresponding to a second mode for carrying out processing of the secondsignal received by the reception means.
 14. The control apparatusaccording to claim 13, further comprising a transmission means fortransmitting to the input apparatus a mode switch command for switchinga mode of the input apparatus in association with a mode of one of thefirst display screen and the second display screen that is beingdisplayed.
 15. The control apparatus according to claim 13, wherein thescreen switch means makes a switch between the first display screen andthe second display screen in response to a third mode switch commandtransmitted from the input apparatus.
 16. A control method for an inputapparatus capable of transmitting a signal corresponding to an operationby a user to a control apparatus capable of switching display among aplurality of display screens, the method comprising: detecting analoginformation on a movement of the input apparatus made by the user;detecting digital information input by the user; and making a switchbetween a first mode for transmitting to the control apparatus a firstsignal that is based on the detected analog information and a secondmode for transmitting to the control apparatus a second signal that isbased on the detected digital information, in association with thedisplay screen displayed on the control apparatus.
 17. An inputapparatus capable of transmitting a signal corresponding to an operationof a user to a control apparatus capable of switching display among aplurality of display screens, comprising: a first detection section todetect analog information on a movement of the input apparatus made bythe user; a second detection section to detect digital information inputby the user; and a mode switch section to make a switch between a firstmode for transmitting to the control apparatus a first signal that isbased on the analog information detected by the first detection sectionand a second mode for transmitting to the control apparatus a secondsignal that is based on the digital information detected by the seconddetection section, in association with the display screen displayed onthe control apparatus.
 18. A control apparatus, comprising: a receptionsection to receive a first signal that is based on analog information ona movement of an input apparatus made by a user and a second signal thatis based on digital information input to the input apparatus by theuser; and a screen switch section to make a switch between a firstdisplay screen corresponding to a first mode for carrying out processingof the first signal received by the reception section and a seconddisplay screen corresponding to a second mode for carrying outprocessing of the second signal received by the reception section.